A deeply expressive wine marked by layered black fruit, crème de cassis, and subtle blood orange. The palate is lush and plush, carrying impressive density without excess weight, while medium-plus tannins provide structure that is firm yet seamlessly integrated. Nuances of sandalwood and a subtle hint of incense add aromatic lift and complexity, extending through a long, polished finish. The vintage conditions presented contrasts across the growing season, while excess water in 2024 was followed by significantly fewer bunches in 2025, the estate avoided both frost and meaningful disease pressure. Despite limited rainfall later in the season, the limestone soils proved resilient, sustaining the estate’s 5 hectares of biodynamically farmed vines with remarkable balance. End-of-August rains had less impact here than in many surrounding sites, preserving both concentration and freshness in the fruit. Blend: 82% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc.

After tasting the otherworldly 2022 and meeting vigneron Pierre Courdurié, I had to bring the team to his Burgundian‑esque, minuscule St‑Emilion estate to get an early peek at the 2025. I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. Even as one of the last wines we tasted on the entire trip, it was still refreshing and vivid. Farmed biodynamically from 60+ year‑old vines, the style is all about purity and depth: intense aromatics of deep florals and black fruit, followed by a palate that’s brighter, seamless, and velvety, with concentrated elegance and remarkable flavor. Pure and rich but never heavy, with super‑fine, savory tannins that carry long. When I returned from Primeurs, I opened a bottle of the 2022 for the team just to share my excitement about one of the region’s truly great under‑the‑radar projects. The enthusiasm was unanimous. The 2025 easily stacks up. While the estate produces only about 1,500 cases in a normal vintage—a tiny amount to begin with—there will be even less in 2025, one of the many reasons to lock down this gem early and get in on the ground floor of one of the region’s most exciting, ascendant wineries.